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PUNXSUTAWNEY — The Punxsutawney Groundhog Club announced Wednesday that an educational and informational trail will be the newest addition to come to Gobbler’s Knob. The club received a matching grant from the Jefferson County Hotel Tax Committee to help assist with this project.

This is a project to help promote Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day and to increase the amount of time spent in our community by visitors, the club said. Those visitors will be able to learn about our town’s fascinating history, as well as see a famous landmark at Gobbler’s Knob.

The trail will be almost a half of a mile in length. The pathway of the trail will consist of soil, and the trail will be easily accessible for all patrons. The natural surroundings will not be disturbed unless deemed problematic to the trail patrons. This trail will not be opened to motorized vehicles.

Along the trail, the metal art exhibits that are currently displayed in the transition area will function as focal points and will be showcased for trail patrons. The metal art is created and donated by Jeff Tech each year on Groundhog Day.

The flora and fauna will be identified by markers. The Groundhog Club will be working in conjunction with the Punxsutawney Area High School academic biology students on the identification of trees and plants.

The wildlife that can be seen along the trail will be identified in a brochure at the entrance of the trail.

Also throughout the trail, there will be signage that gives the history of Groundhog Day, the Inner Circle and Punxsutawney Phil, general groundhog facts and more.

These signs will serve as a main focal point, and some will include smart phone technology to enhance the visitors’ experience. There are six signs total, and they are able to be sponsored.

The trail is tentatively set to be completed by late October. Following the completion of the trail, the sponsors and community members will be invited to a ribbon-cutting event.

Anyone interested in sponsoring a sign should contact the Groundhog Club at (814) 618-5591 or at director@ghogclub.com.